After numerous awards, Sioux Falls film returns for weeklong run

A local indie film that has won lots of acclaim on the festival circuit comes back to Sioux Falls this week.

“Valentine Crush” will play Friday through March 16 at the West Mall 7 Theatres.

The independent film was shot and produced by Sioux Falls-based Strange Trajectory Productions, written by Leah Simmons and directed and produced by Jamie Wade.

The roller derby-themed thriller has played in 21 film festivals, winning 10 awards and 11 other nominations.

“Being a filmmaker in South Dakota is difficult; we have to scream a little bit louder to get attention,” Wede said. “I have been all over the country at screenings of ‘Valentine Crush,’ and nothing beats seeing images of your hometown projected on the big screen. It’s quite a feeling, and we want the people of Sioux Falls who haven’t had the opportunity to experience it yet to get a chance. I can’t think of any other independent feature film made in Sioux Falls that has been to more festivals or won as many awards as ‘Valentine Crush.’”

The movie has a definite Sioux Falls vibe. Simmons is a former Sioux Falls Roller Dollz, and the film includes scenes downtown and in local bars, shot over eight days by a larger Sioux Falls crew, plus local extras. Post-production was funded by a Kickstarter campaign supported by local fans.

Strange Trajectory Productions was founded in 2020 by Wede and Simmons, who have lived in Sioux Falls more than 20 years. “Valentine Crush” is their first feature film.

The film received the People’s Choice Award at the Black Hills Film Festival and was honored for best feature at festivals in Detroit, Idaho and Washington. There are festivals coming up in Seattle and Sacramento, California.

The nightly screenings at West Mall 7 will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at westmall7.com or at the box office.

Roller derby thriller with deep S.D. roots premieres Friday at State Theatre